Research Studies

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A major goal of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center is to research innovative approaches to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of memory disorders (Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias). Many studies focus on new interventions designed to help individuals with memory problems to maintain the highest possible level of functioning. Additional studies focus on interventions designed to assist family members/caregivers in their roles.

2022:

CURRENT RESEARCH AND INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE
AN EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RELIGIOUS INVOLVEMENT, LEVEL OF ACCULTURATION, AND MENTAL HEALTH FUNCTIONING IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE HISPANIC IMMIGRANT PATIENTS RESIDING IN SOUTH FLORIDA.

Principal Investigators: M. J. González (Sandler School of Social Work) and M. Ortega

Abstract: The primary aim of this research study is to examine the relationship between religious involvement, level of acculturation, and mental health functioning in primary health care Hispanic immigrant patients who reside in South Florida. Through an observational and cross-sectional research study design, it is the intent of the faculty researchers to specifically answer the following primary research question: What is the relationship between degree of religious involvement and levels of somatization, depression, and anxiety in primary health care Hispanic immigrant patients who reside in South Florida? A secondary question, directly related to the primary aim of this study, is: Does level of acculturation moderate the relationship between degree of religious involvement and levels of somatization, depression, and anxiety in primary care Hispanic immigrant patients who reside in South Florida? It is important to note that, for the purpose of this study, mental health functioning will be operationally measured by the score that a patient receives on selected somatization, depression, and anxiety clinical research scales. The sample for this study will be drawn from Hispanic immigrant patients who receive clinical care in selected primary health clinics in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The faculty researchers plan to use the findings of this study as a first-step in creating a culturally competent and linguistically-sensitive psychosocial-spiritual treatment approach that will enhance the health and mental health outcomes of Hispanic immigrant patients in community-based primary care clinics. 

IN-VEHICLE SENSORS TO DETECT COGNITIVE CHANGE IN OLDER DRIVERS.

Principal Investigator: Ruth Tappen, Co-Investigators: David Newman, Marilyn Rosselli, Maria Ortega, (Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing); and, Jinwoo Jang, Borivoje Furht, and KwangSoo Yang (College of Engineering & Computer Science).

 

Abstract:  The purpose of this study is to determine whether changes in the way a person drives are useful indicators of important changes in cognition (that is, changes in thinking, judgement or memory). In order to do this, we will temporarily install several unobtrusive (that is, not obvious or noticeable) sensors in your car. This includes small video cameras, GPS (Global Positioning Sensor), scanners, and accelerometers. The study is being supported by funding from the National Institutes of Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health.